(From company literature) Manfrotto 488 Midi Ball Head with RC0 Rapid Connect System. Same as the 488 but equipped with a 3049 quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch and two spirit levels for precise levelling on both vertical or horizontal axis.

The new 488RCO replaces the 3055 Heavy-Duty Double Action Ball Head and features a separate fast action ratchet lever for 360 degree pan and an easy to grip locking knob for -90 to +90 degree tilt movements.

Please note: not shown is a calibration scale at the base of the head.

Manfrotto 488 Midi Ball Head with RC0 Rapid Connect System review by jonnyapple

Review Date: 1/1/2008

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $110.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

qr plate, built like a tank, two-lever release

Cons:

heavy, two-lever release takes getting used to

I love the qr plate on this--I've also got a monopod with the rectangular RC2 qr plate, and it seems like with that one you have to crank hard on the screw to get the plate to stay firmly on the camera. This one is easily secured without giving yourself a hernia. Also, the hex shape lets you put it in however you want if you need to get your camera on the tripod fast or if you feel too lazy to check the orientation, where the RC2 only fits one way on its head.

The two-lever release is a good safety feature (I've got a son who's two years old), but can slow you down a bit when you're just getting used to it. At least you know your camera isn't going anywhere unless you're sure you want it to.

If you're now using a pan/tilt head, the switch to a ball will be a joy, but this particular head might be overkill unless you've got some pretty heavy equipment. Then again, when you crank this down, there's almost no droop, which makes it effortless to compose shots.

Taking a hammer to this would probably only scuff the finish, but one downside of the solid construction is the weight.